Chapter 1 Chapter 1

When Joseph Hunt brought his first love to the birthday banquet, Aurora Walton knew she had lost. In the corner of the room, she glanced at the messages from her mother, Grace Williamson. "Aurora, you lost.” "Three years, and Joseph still doesn’t love you. As agreed, it’s time for you to come back and take responsibility." Out of the corner of her eye, Aurora looked at the girl in Joseph’s arms. This was the first time she had seen Joseph’s first love. She was pure, with a soft and gentle demeanor, quiet and serene. Even in cheap clothing, she stood out effortlessly. So, this was the type Joseph liked. A faint bitterness spread across Aurora’s lips. She suddenly remembered four years ago when a bold socialite flirted with Joseph and confessed her feelings. He lazily flicked his cigarette, his eyes holding a trace of detached amusement as he smirked, "Sorry, lady, I like girls who are quiet and ordinary." At the time, Aurora was secretly in love with Joseph for two years. However, Grace strongly disapproved her of having a relationship with him. Their families were business rivals, and Grace always dismissed romance as meaningless. On top of that, Joseph was known for being a playboy—not someone she considered a suitable choice. But when Aurora heard his preference, she made a bet with Grace. If Joseph fell in love with her, she would be allowed to be with him. Grace had agreed. To make Joseph fall for her, Aurora transformed overnight—from the rarely seen heiress of the Walton family to a modest, obedient girl with nothing to her name. From that moment on, she stayed by Joseph’s side. One night, after he had too much to drink, his half-lidded eyes held a lazy amusement as he looked at her. "You like me?” “Want to give us a try?" The three years she spent with Joseph had drained nearly all of her passion and courage. She learned to cook for him, cared for him day and night when he was sick, and it was obvious to outsiders that she was hopelessly in love with Joseph. And it had seemed, for a while, that he was ready to change for her. He felt sorry for her and often smiled, telling her to be his wife and that he would take care of her. Aurora turned him down. She struggled with the decision for a long time, but she was finally ready to reveal everything on his birthday—the truth about the bet. That was when Judy Moore appeared. Noticing Aurora’s silence, someone teased with a knowing tone, "Judy, now that you're back, someone’s heart must be in pieces. "Someone here had worked so hard to climb her way up, only for you to return and ruin her plans.""Enough," Judy interrupted softly. Her voice was light and delicate as she turned to Aurora, her gaze carrying a hint of guilt. "I’m sorry, Miss Walton. Joseph and I were separated for a few years due to certain circumstances. I never thought he would act out and use you as a substitute. “What happened between us shouldn’t have involved you. That was immature of him. But in the end, you didn’t really lose, did you?" Her voice was gentle, her doe-like eyes filled with sincerity, as if to say that Aurora, a nobody, should feel lucky to have been involved with someone like Joseph in the first place. After all, a struggling college girl managing to stay by Joseph’s side—even as a mere stand-in—was already a stroke of luck. How could she possibly call that a loss? Joseph’s gaze landed on Aurora. Tonight, she looked different in a simple red dress. The usual quiet elegance she wore like armor had faded, replaced by something untamed like a rose in full bloom, bold and dazzling. She sat there, lazy and indifferent, yet effortlessly captivating. She was nothing like the quiet, obedient girl she used to be. Joseph never liked this kind of woman. He believed women should be delicate, obedient, and in need of protection. His brows furrowed. Aurora would forever be a substitute. She would never be Judy. His tone was indifferent. "Judy's back. Let's end this. Here’s two hundred thousand dollars. Consider it compensation." With a casual swipe of money, he erased the three years they had spent together. Thinking about those years, Aurora found it laughable. "Keep your money. You were a disappointment in bed, and honestly, I got bored." With that, she picked up a glass of red wine and, without hesitation, threw it straight into Joseph’s face. For three years, he had never touched her—choosing to stay faithful to his precious first love. And she had been foolish enough to wait, thinking he was just taking the whole "pure love" thing seriously. The room fell into stunned silence. However, Aurora remained unfazed. She casually picked up a napkin, wiped her hands, and tilted her red lips into a smirk. Then, with a soft scoff, she raised her glass. "This one’s to three years of being blind." She didn’t spare Joseph another glance before turning and walking out of the private lounge. Behind her, the crowd collectively sucked in a breath, exchanging wide-eyed looks as they took in the sight of Joseph. Aurora had always spoken softly, her voice gentle and subdued. She was never anything but obedient around Joseph. But today… "Has she lost her mind? Two hundred thousand dollars is more than she could ever make in her lifetime! What is she trying to prove?""Let her go." Joseph gritted his teeth, his tone laced with mockery. "As long as she doesn’t come crying back or try to get between me and Judy, I couldn’t care less. A woman like her? There’s no chance we’ll ever cross paths again." He thought he knew Aurora all too well. She had no family support, no connections—just a struggling college student barely getting by. Where could she possibly go without him? Besides, after three years of being kept by him, this so-called pride of hers was nothing but an act. Sooner or later, she’d come crawling back. His words carried through the air, reaching Aurora’s ears. She didn’t even flinch. Without a glance back, she walked away. In the past, they had argued before. And every time, she was the one who backed down. But this time, she would disappoint him because she was truly leaving. She was going home to inherit her family's billion-dollar empire.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Aurora didn’t linger in Westbridge for long. She only stayed in the city for Joseph, but now that she had graduated and he had someone else, there was no reason for her to remain. That night, she booked a flight home to Ravenshore. When she stepped off the plane, Megan Quinn was already waiting for her. "This time, are you staying for good?""I am." For years, Aurora spent most of her time chasing after Joseph, rarely returning to Ravenshore. Her time with Megan had been scarce. But now that the bet was lost, she had no reason to leave again. Megan heard about what happened with Joseph and couldn’t help but sigh. Still, she only smiled and looped her arm through Aurora’s. "Forget the bad luck. Tonight, we celebrate." Aurora returned her smile and didn’t refuse. Megan took her to the most exclusive club in Ravenshore, ordered the finest drinks, and threw her a single-life party. One drink in, and the frustration Aurora had been carrying for years finally started to fade. "Honestly, breaking up with Joseph was the best thing that could’ve happened," Megan teased. "Back then, you turned yourself into this sweet, quiet little thing just to please him. No drinking, no racing—you practically lived in the library. I was in shock." Aurora was nothing like the kind of girl Joseph preferred. The Waltons were one of the most powerful families in Ravenshore, and the Aurora of the past loved fast cars, wild nights, horseback riding, mountain climbing, and skydiving. She was bold, vibrant, and fearless. Love was never something she took too seriously. Yet for Joseph, she gave it all up. She reinvented herself, playing the part of the soft and obedient girl he wanted. "I must’ve lost my mind," Aurora said lazily, swirling her drink as she looked back on it all with detached amusement. She had always been stunning. Back then, she had tried to play the part, but it never quite fit—her beauty always felt out of place. Now, though, she wore it effortlessly. Even the man pouring drinks beside them turned red just watching her. Megan chuckled. "Aurora, now that you and Joseph are over, are you really going back to the Waltons to take over the family business?""A bet’s a bet." Aurora took a slow sip of her drink, her tone indifferent. Grace was a formidable woman. After her father’s passing, internal struggles within the Walton Corporation were ruthless, and Grace held everything together on her own. Her older sister, Tessa Walton, had always been frail. On the other hand, Aurora craved freedom. Grace never forced Aurora into anything and even gave her the choice—leading to that bet in the first place. She lost, and she wasn’t the type to go back on a bet. However, Megan remained unconvinced. "You know the Walton family rules. Before taking over, you have to get married first. Has your mom picked someone for you?""No." Aurora understood her mother well. She was strong-willed but never overbearing when it came to her daughter’s choice of a partner. The reason she opposed Joseph back then had more to do with the rivalry between their families than anything else. "Aurora, even if you lost the bet, your mom wouldn’t force you into anything. “Besides, there are plenty of men out there. If you’re really stuck, I can introduce you to my cousin." Megan’s cousin, Lucas Carter, was infamous for being cold and untouchable—a man of few words, with a face that could turn heads wherever he went. When Aurora was younger, she thought he was the most breathtaking man she had ever seen. At that naive age, she once harbored a quiet, fleeting crush—something brief and unspoken, soon fading into nothing. Over the years, they became little more than distant memories, passing strangers in separate worlds. Aurora brushed off Megan’s words as a joke. The chill of the liquor lingered on her tongue, and only now did she realize the faint bitterness beneath the burn. By the time the night wound down, both of them were unsteady on their feet. Megan’s expression turned strange. "My cousin just texted—he’s coming to pick us up." Even as she said it, confusion flickered in her eyes. She was never particularly close with her cousin. If anything, she found him intimidating. They weren’t the type to check in on each other, yet tonight, out of nowhere, he messaged her. Not only asking if she was with Aurora but also offering to pick them up. She chalked it up to a rare moment of concern and didn’t overthink it. A few minutes later, a sleek, understated Maybach pulled up to the entrance. The window rolled down, revealing a face so striking it seemed almost unreal. His features were sharp, flawlessly refined, his skin like porcelain—cool and elegant. Beneath the silver glow of the moon, he looked almost otherworldly. The kind of beauty that could make someone forget to breathe. He was absolutely and dangerously stunning. "Get in." His voice was deep, smooth—an intoxicating sound on its own. Lucas’ gaze swept over Megan briefly before settling on Aurora. The moment their eyes met, her heart skipped a beat.

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Megan had always found her cousin a little intimidating. The moment she got into the car, she stayed quiet, not daring to say a word. Inside the vehicle, the silence felt oddly heavy. Aurora’s gaze drifted to the leather-wrapped rosary bracelet around Lucas’ wrist. There was something familiar about it, but with the alcohol clouding her mind, she couldn’t quite place it. Still, a hazy memory surfaced as she recalled the first time she had ever met him. Years had passed, yet he remained just as striking, his presence just as commanding. Megan’s house was close by. After dropping her off, Lucas continued driving, now heading to Aurora’s hotel. With just the two of them left in the car, his voice suddenly broke the silence, casual yet unreadable. "Planning to stay in Ravenshore?""Yeah." Aurora hesitated for a moment before nodding. They weren’t particularly close, so after that brief exchange, the silence quickly returned. The air conditioning was on full blast, and before she knew it, sleep crept up on her. She had no idea how much time had passed when a deep voice pulled her back to consciousness. "Aurora, wake up." She opened her eyes and found herself staring directly into his dark, penetrating gaze. For a brief moment, she felt disoriented. "Lucas?" Her voice was slow, still laced with sleep. The car door was open now, and he had leaned in, his tall frame filling the space between them. His face, impossibly striking, was suddenly too close. He lowered his gaze, his features sharp and cold, yet effortlessly elegant. The crisp scent of cedar clung to him, fresh and cool, wrapping around her senses. For a second, the image of him overlapped with the memory of the boy who once left her breathless—the one she had never quite been able to forget. Aurora’s red lips curved into a lazy smile. "You’re ridiculously good-looking." The alcohol swirled through her veins as she blinked up at him, her eyes hazy. Then, without warning, she reached out, looping her arms around his neck. "Want to sleep with me?" Her voice dragged at the end, slow and languid, dripping with temptation. Lucas froze for a moment. Then, with a composed expression, he reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You’re drunk," he said evenly. She felt the soft graze of his fingers and let out a quiet hum, but she wasn’t about to let him off so easily. "No, I’m not." She was more than tipsy, her mind swirling with flashes of Joseph, the past few years, and the weight of her family’s expectations. She was always rebellious and defiant. Yet for Joseph, she pretended to be someone she wasn’t. For a bet, she had willingly let herself be caged. Tonight, maybe for the last time, she just wanted to let go. "Lucas," she murmured, leaning in, her midnight-dark hair brushing against his cheek. "Do you want me or not?" That fleeting touch, soft as a whisper, sent a slow, creeping sensation through him like a quiet, spreading fire. The next second, his lips crashed onto hers, cool and unyielding. His hand found her waist, fingers pressing in, possessive and sure. His breath mixed with hers as he whispered against her lips, "Aurora, don’t regret this." Then he caught her lower lip between his teeth, teasing and commanding, leaving no room for retreat. Their breaths ran hot, mingling in the charged space between them. Aurora’s lashes trembled as she caught her own reflection in Lucas’ dark eyes along with the undeniable pull of desire buried beneath his usual composure. That cool, distant air of his was now wrapped in something deeper and turbulent. A strange thirst settled in her throat, and without thinking, she pressed in closer, deepening the kiss, surrendering to the heat. Inside the car, the atmosphere burned, thick with tension. The quiet sounds of water and movement filled the air. Some things between a man and a woman had a way of becoming dangerously addictive. From the car to the bed, they tumbled into something neither of them stopped to name. By the time it was over, Aurora felt as if waves of sensation had washed through her, leaving her limbs weak, her senses dulled. When she woke, a deep soreness settled into her body. Her eyes fluttered open, memories from the night before slowly piecing themselves back together. Then, her body stiffened. She had slept with Lucas. Her mind spun as she processed it. Even a fox knew better than to raid its own den, yet here she was, crossing an unspoken line. Aurora’s face flashed through her thoughts, making the whole situation feel even more absurd. Before she could think too much, the sound of running water cut off abruptly. "You’re awake." Aurora lifted her gaze just as the bathroom door swung open. Lucas stood there in a robe, his lean, sculpted frame still damp. Water droplets slid down his firm abdomen, disappearing beneath the fabric at his waist. A flush crept up her cheeks before she could stop it. "Sorry," she blurted out, instinctively searching for an excuse. "I was drunk last night." Lucas paused, his expression unreadable. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, assessing her. For some reason, his tone turned a few degrees colder. "So?" Aurora picked up her clothes from the floor. Faint marks dotted her skin, but she made no effort to cover them. Instead, she met Lucas’ gaze directly, the corners of her red lips curving into a small, lazy smile. "Megan and I are still friends," she said lightly. "So about last night… Lukey, you don’t mind, do you?" That casual "Lukey" rolled off her tongue with a teasing lilt, slow and unhurried. But maybe she was imagining it because the moment she said it, she swore his expression turned even colder. He lit a cigarette, the faint glow casting shadows over his sharp features. His dark eyes lingered on her before he drawled, his tone just as indifferent, "Do you give all your male friends nicknames? Like, say… Joseph Hunt?"

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

How did he know about her and Joseph? The thought flashed through Aurora's mind, but she simply smiled and said, "No, Lukey. It's just that you've had your fun too, so let's just leave it at that." She blinked, though a hint of guilt still lingered inside her. Lucas was different. Brilliant, accomplished, and famously unattainable, he was like the cold moon hanging high in the sky. She had committed a sin. Aurora cursed silently in her heart. Lucas flicked the ash off his cigarette. He didn't confirm or deny it—his gaze simply darkened. "Whatever," he said coolly. Aurora let out a quiet breath of relief. After getting dressed, she left the hotel and took a cab back to the Walton estate. Just as she got into the car, a short distance away, Judy caught a glimpse of her and froze for a moment. Then, biting her lip, she tugged at Joseph. "Joseph, I think I just saw Miss Walton.""Aurora? What would she be doing here?" Joseph frowned slightly. This was a five-star hotel, and given Aurora's background as a struggling student, there was no way she could afford to stay here. "Maybe she still can't get over you. I think she heard you came to meet Mr. Carter, so she might have been waiting around on purpose...""Ignore her," Joseph said, his expression darkening. He had no patience for women who didn't know their place. Causing a scene at his birthday party was bad enough, and now she was playing this desperate clingy act? Besides, he had treated her well enough. Otherwise, a woman like Aurora would never have the chance to be in a relationship with someone like him. Thinking about what his grandfather had instructed him, Joseph furrowed his brow. "I should go meet the CEO from Vanguard Group. Grandpa said that no matter what, we must secure this project with the Carters." The Hunt family had been on a downward slope for the past two years. If they could establish a connection with Vanguard Group, there might still be a chance for them to turn things around. However, Joseph ended up making a trip for nothing. By the time he arrived, Lucas had already left—not only that, but he didn’t even get the chance to see Lucas’ assistant. "Joseph, it's okay." Judy consoled him gently. "There's another business gala in a while. When the time comes, you'll still have a chance to make a connection there.""Yeah." Joseph nodded, his gaze dark. "No matter what, I have to get this project with Vanguard Group." Meanwhile, Aurora had no idea that Joseph and Judy were making such a scene. After leaving the hotel, she returned home, where her sister, Tessa, and their mother were both present. Seeing her, Grace looked at her with a cold expression. "I warned you before that Joseph is no good, and the Hunt family has never been on good terms with us. “According to the bet, you lost. Starting tomorrow, you’ll report to Walton Corporation. “Once you're married and have familiarized yourself with the business, I'll transfer you to work directly under me. “Your sister isn’t in good health. You need to take on more responsibilities for Walton Corporation." Aurora knew her mother never changed her mind. The fact that she had compromised even this much, allowing her to bet on this, was already rare. Aurora didn’t say anything. Beside her, Tessa suddenly let out a chuckle and said with an ambiguous tone, "Mom, Aurora just came back, and now Julian has become her future brother-in-law… Who exactly are you planning for her to marry?" Julian Hayes was the man Grace had once planned for Aurora to marry. However, he fell for Tessa at first sight and called off the engagement years ago. Aurora and Tessa had never gotten along. Tessa was an adopted daughter, but she had always been frail. Since they were young, Grace had been cold and indifferent toward Aurora, while showing endless care and patience for Tessa. Now that Tessa brought this up, it was clearly to humiliate Aurora. Grace glanced at Aurora and spoke in a detached tone. "I'll have someone arrange a few marriage prospects for you in the next couple of days." Tessa’s lips curled slightly. Grace was always rational and pragmatic. The husband she would choose for Aurora would undoubtedly be based on benefits, not Aurora’s wishes. Aurora’s expression remained calm. "Mom, you once said that when it comes to marriage, I should be the one to choose." Grace frowned.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Aurora remained calm. "Don't worry, I’m done with Joseph. But since I’ll be taking over the Walton family, my marriage should at least be stable. I’d rather choose someone I don’t dislike." Grace had never approved of her being with Joseph. Part of it was her disdain for Aurora allowing emotions to cloud her judgment. The other reason was that the Hunt family was a direct competitor to the Waltons. Though the Hunts weren’t as powerful as the Waltons, they were still considered rivals. In truth, when it came to marriage, Grace wasn’t overly controlling. She wasn’t as invested in Aurora’s affairs as she was in Tessa’s. Her sharp gaze swept over Aurora, assessing her for a moment. "Fine, you can choose whoever you want to marry, but a bet is a bet. Don’t let me down, Aurora." Aurora nodded. Grace had other matters to attend to and turned to head upstairs. Now, only Tessa and Aurora remained in the living room. Though they were sisters in name, their relationship had always been lukewarm at best. Tessa deliberately toyed with the expensive bracelet Grace bought for her at auction, letting out a mocking laugh. "Aurora, do you really think you can find someone better than Julian? The whole social circle knows you lowered yourself for Joseph. Do you honestly believe anyone would still want to marry you?" The Walton and Hunt families didn’t run in the same circles. But in Ravenshore, rumors about Aurora being involved with another man had been spreading like wildfire. Aurora merely cast Tessa a glance. She felt nothing for this so-called sister. In fact, when Julian called off the engagement, she had been relieved. For some reason, Tessa always harbored resentment toward her. "Julian?" Aurora arched a brow and let out a mocking laugh. "If you like him so much, keep him. But from what I’ve heard, he sleeps around quite a bit. Make sure he gets regular checkups, sister.""You—" Tessa's chest rose and fell in anger. She knew full well the difference between her and Aurora. Grace was strict with Aurora yet indulgent with her—not out of love, but because she had higher expectations for Aurora. But why? Why was Aurora the one who got to inherit the Walton family? Why not her? Just because she was adopted? As she watched Aurora walk away, bitterness and unwillingness filled Tessa’s darkened gaze. However, Aurora had no time to bother with Tessa’s feelings. News of her situation had spread, and her friends were eager to introduce potential matches for her. For three days straight, she met with one man after another, yet none of them piqued her interest. She was about to leave when a familiar voice called out from nearby. "Aurora? What a coincidence." Judy walked toward her, arm linked with Joseph’s. Her look had completely changed. She was now draped in high-end designer labels from head to toe, yet she still carried that same gentle, obedient demeanor. Beside her, Joseph frowned at the sight of Aurora. She seemed different from before. Her makeup was flawless, her lips painted a bold red, her dark hair flowing effortlessly. Her gaze carried a lazy, indifferent air—bold, unrestrained. Nothing like the woman he once knew. "What are you doing here?" Joseph brushed aside his stray thoughts and asked coldly. This restaurant was exclusive to members. Someone like Aurora had no place here. Aurora curled her lips into a playful smirk. "And why wouldn’t I be here?""Miss Walton, are you working here?" Judy let out a soft laugh, her tone laced with pity. "The pay here is good, but I didn’t expect a top university graduate like you to end up as a waitress just for money.""And what’s wrong with being a waitress?" Aurora’s gaze swept over Judy’s expensive outfit, each piece worth thousands, before she said casually, "At least I make my own money instead of relying on a man." Judy’s face paled. She bit her lip, looking pitiful. But Joseph’s expression darkened with disdain. "So what if I spend money on my woman? “When we broke up, I even gave you two hundred thousand dollars in compensation, but you insisted on refusing it. “Aurora Walton, with an attitude like yours, do you even deserve to work here?" His face was cold as he signaled for the manager. Beside him, Judy remained silent, watching Aurora with quiet obedience. Aurora looked at the two of them. Suddenly, she found it all ridiculous. If she really were a struggling university graduate, then Joseph’s actions would have ruined her job, making her already difficult life even worse. And Judy, someone who should have understood this better than anyone, just stood by and watched as Joseph made things harder for her. So much for that pure, kind-hearted image. Soon, the manager arrived. "This waitress has a terrible attitude. I don’t think she’s fit to work here anymore," Joseph said coldly. But the manager froze, looking startled. He quickly explained, "There must be a misunderstanding, sir. Miss Walton is one of our elite members, not a waitress.""What?" Joseph was stunned. His brows furrowed as disbelief flashed across his face. How could Aurora afford to be a member here? She used to hesitate over buying cheap street food, always careful to eat every last bite of a strawberry, including the stem. How could she suddenly afford an elite membership at a place like this? She must have schemed, done whatever it took, just to get his attention. Disgust welled up in his eyes. "Aurora Walton, what exactly are you trying to do? Clinging to me, hoping to get back together?" Aurora lifted her gaze, red lips parting as she uttered, "Idiot."

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

For the first time, Aurora found it hard to reconcile the man before her with the one in her memories—the man who once comforted her, over and over, when she was temporarily blind. Back then, after the earthquake, Joseph had saved her, staying by her side and reassuring her as they waited for rescue. That was why she had been devoted to him for so long. But she never imagined that the man who accompanied her through the darkness would turn out to be so arrogant and cruel. "Aurora, a woman should have more self-respect," Judy said with a sigh, her expression one of helpless understanding, as if she were generously tolerating a clingy, unreasonable ex-girlfriend chasing after her boyfriend. Aurora was just about to set the record straight when, suddenly, someone leaned in and whispered something to the manager. The manager’s expression shifted. He turned to Joseph, his tone polite yet firm. "Apologies, Mr. Hunt, but your membership invitation has been revoked. You are no longer a member of this restaurant. Please leave." Revoked? This restaurant was well-known, and its owner was notoriously elusive and private. Joseph’s expression darkened, but he forced himself to remain composed. "What does your boss mean by this?""My apologies," the manager said again, extending a hand toward the door. "These are our owner’s instructions. I must ask both of you to leave." Aurora paused for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh, watching the way Joseph’s face twisted with emotion. Joseph shot her a sharp glance, clenched his jaw, but in the end, he didn’t dare make a scene. Without another word, he turned and left with Judy. As they stepped out of the restaurant, Judy hesitated. Remembering the way Aurora looked just now, Judy felt aggrieved, her eyes turned slightly red as she asked, "Joseph, do you think this was Aurora’s doing?""Impossible," Joseph said coldly, his patience wearing thin. "What kind of power would she have?""But isn’t the owner of this place supposed to be extremely wealthy? What if Aurora is still bitter over your breakup and deliberately got close to him? She does seem… different now." Joseph frowned, thinking back to the way Aurora had carried herself tonight. She really did seem like a different person. Even her presence felt stronger than before. "She wishes," Joseph said flatly. "With her background, no one would take her seriously. She’s just a passing amusement. Just ignore her." Only then did a faint smile appear on Judy’s lips as she obediently followed Joseph away. … In the restaurant, Aurora had long finished her arranged date for the night. Still thinking about what had just happened at the restaurant, she wondered who exactly the mysterious owner was. Just then, she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching from the distance. It was Lucas. She hesitated for a moment before greeting him with a sweet, casual smile, as if she had completely forgotten the absurdity of that night. "What a coincidence, Lukey." His dark eyes lingered on her, calm and unfathomable, his voice low and steady. "Here for a date?" Aurora nodded. It was no secret—her arranged dates had been a hot topic in their social circle. It wasn’t surprising that he knew. "Madam Grace’s idea?" Lucas’s gaze deepened, unreadable. Aurora wasn’t sure what he meant. She looked up at him in confusion. Then, unexpectedly, he spoke again. "Interesting. My family’s been pressing me about marriage too." He met her gaze. His expression remained indifferent as he asked, almost carelessly, "So, Aurora, want to get married?" His voice was deep and husky, cool yet intoxicating. Aurora’s heartbeat skipped for a moment. She hadn’t expected Lucas to bring it up himself. "Can I ask why?" she hesitated, as if something had just occurred to her. "If this is about that night, you don’t need to take responsibility. Honestly, you were good in bed, and I had a great time." It had been a mutual decision. Besides, she was the one who made the first move, acting on impulse. "If I had to give a reason…" Lucas idly rolled the rosary bracelet around his wrist, his voice calm and unhurried. "Call it mutual benefit. You’re Megan’s friend, and I trust her judgment."

Chapter 7 Chapter 7

When he mentioned Megan, Aurora’s lips curled slightly. If she really went through with this marriage, she couldn’t imagine how Megan would react. But then again… Lucas’ face alone made it hard not to waver. She needed to marry someone she didn’t dislike, someone with good character. Honestly, Lucas was the best option. Aurora’s red lips curved into a smile as she blinked playfully. "Lukey, I don’t think I have a reason to say no.""Then tomorrow at 10 a.m., at the city hall," Lucas said, meeting her gaze. Aurora nodded. It seemed he had other matters to attend to, as he turned to leave. But just as he was about to step away, he paused. His brows furrowed slightly, his tone casual but pointed. "About Joseph Hunt…""It’s over," Aurora lowered her gaze, recalling Joseph’s arrogance earlier. "Don’t worry, I’m not the type to go back to an ex." Only then did Lucas turn and walk away. Aurora watched his retreating figure, feeling an odd sense of disbelief. She was really about to marry Lucas. … She didn’t tell Grace about the marriage in advance. Lucas had always been low-profile, an elusive figure even in the media. And in truth, this marriage felt more like a formality to satisfy their families. If she really thought about it, their connection, aside from that one reckless night and her fleeting, unspoken crush, mostly came from the fact that he was Megan’s cousin. The next day, they walked out of the city hall, each holding a crisp marriage certificate in hand. Only now did the reality of marriage begin to sink in for Aurora. "Now that we're officially married, should we move into our place?" she asked hesitantly. She wasn’t exactly experienced in these matters, nor did she know Lucas well enough to predict his response. Aurora didn’t know much about the specifics of the Carter family’s business, only that they were exceptionally wealthy. However, families like theirs always had an estate or a property set aside for newlyweds. At the sound of the word “we,” Lucas’ lips curled slightly, an almost imperceptible reaction that vanished in an instant. "Of course," he said coolly. He handed her a set of keys along with a small red box. Aurora opened it and paused. Inside was a diamond ring. And not just any ring—it was exactly the style she liked. Understated yet exquisitely crafted, luxurious yet elegant. It suited her past tastes perfectly. "A wedding ring," Lucas said in his usual calm tone, his gaze resting on her as he added casually, "Want to try it on?" Even after playing the role of a struggling student for three years, Aurora still couldn’t resist something that sparkled this beautifully. She nodded. Lucas took the ring and slid it onto her finger. "Do you like it?" His voice remained indifferent, yet his gaze was focused entirely on her. "If not, we can get another one." Aurora’s lips curved into a smile. "I like it." There was no reason not to like a diamond ring worth nearly seven figures. Back when she was with Joseph, the most expensive ring he ever gave her was a plain one. She even returned most of the money he transferred to her. He had barely spent his money on her. For men like him, the truest sign of sincerity was investing in the woman they cared about. The Waltons were never short on money, but feeling Lucas’ generosity still put Aurora in a rare good mood. Lucas handed her another card. At first, Aurora assumed it was for household expenses. But then, he glanced at her and said in an unhurried tone, "The house is taken care of by the staff. This is for your personal spending, Mrs. Carter." His voice was calm, indifferent, as if he were mentioning something trivial. Aurora’s eyes flickered as she arched a brow, her red lips curving playfully. "Lukey, aren’t you worried I might run off with your money after I’m done sleeping with you?""Run off with my money..." Lucas let out a low chuckle, his voice deep and smooth. "That’s fine. Name your price, Mrs. Carter. As for sleeping with me..." Their eyes met. His sharp, narrow eyes, porcelain-like skin, and perfectly sculpted features grew nearer and nearer. Then, he leaned forward, pulled her close by the waist, and kissed her.

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

It was an unrestrained kiss—deep and intense. She gasped softly, but he captured her breath entirely, feeding it back into her lips. Instinctively, she clutched the hem of his shirt. Only when her legs grew weak did Lucas finally stop. He gazed down at her, his voice low and husky. "Did you really think you could just walk away after sleeping with me? Mrs. Carter, your skills are still lacking." Aurora was never one to back down. The corners of her red lips lifted slightly before she suddenly pressed a kiss to his Adam’s apple. Feeling his body tense for a brief moment, she pulled back half a step, her lazy smile carrying a hint of provocation. "Mr. Carter, you're not that impressive either." Lucas' gaze darkened slightly, but Aurora knew when to stop. After exchanging contact information with Lucas, she moved into his home. The house was in a prime location. Before moving in, she mentioned registering the marriage to her mother, though she hadn't brought up Lucas. Grace was a little surprised at how quickly Aurora had gotten married, but she merely responded indifferently, "The Walton family doesn’t believe in divorce. You made your own choice, so you should be clear about it. “Now that you're married, focus on the company." Aurora couldn't quite describe how she felt. Grace had always been like this—so long as nothing directly went against her wishes, she rarely interfered with Aurora’s decisions. There was a fleeting moment of disappointment that Aurora couldn’t quite grasp. She simply smiled and said, "Alright." Just before hanging up, Grace added, "Bring him home sometime so I can take a look." That afternoon, Aurora reported to Walton Corporation for her first day. Grace hadn’t concealed Aurora’s identity. Her intent had always been for Aurora to quickly familiarize herself with the company’s operations. As a result, the managers treated Aurora with the utmost respect. "Miss Walton, this is the project we’re aiming for this month. Vanguard Group is planning to develop a wellness hot spring resort. “Aside from Walton Corporation, several other companies are bidding for it. If we can secure this project, it will be highly beneficial for us." Aurora took the file the manager handed her and skimmed through the details. Vanguard Group was the industry leader. A few years ago, they underwent asset restructuring and seemed to have changed ownership. In recent years, they made bold moves, and without exception, their profit margins were among the highest in the field. People often said that even the leftovers from Vanguard Group were worth more than what most companies could dream of in a lifetime. Even Grace mentioned how crucial this project was. Her gaze swept over the list of competing companies, and as expected, she spotted the name Hunt Enterprises. Her brow arched slightly with an unreadable expression. So, the Hunt family was after this project too. "Send me the full project details, along with Vanguard Group’s information." The manager nodded, then added, "After the restructuring, Vanguard Group's new owner has remained a mystery. “However, they are hosting a business gala soon, and their boss is expected to attend." Aurora glanced at the notes and committed the key details to memory. If they wanted to win Vanguard Group’s project, this business gala would likely be the perfect opportunity. Meanwhile, at the Hunt estate. Harold Hunt, the head of the Hunt family, handed Joseph a file with the competitors' profiles. “Take a look. These are the companies we're up against for this project. Walton Corporation will be our main competitor. “I heard the Walton matriarch’s younger daughter is personally involved in the bidding. No matter what, you must secure this project.” Walton matriarch’s younger daughter? Joseph frowned slightly. He had never heard of this woman before, but in the end, she was just that—a woman. There was no way he would lose to a woman. "Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.""And another thing," Mr. Hunt continued, frowning. "Settle things with Judy as soon as possible. I heard that college girl you were keeping around didn’t take the breakup too well? "At a time like this, drama is one thing, but don’t let it turn into a mess." "Rest assured, I’ll take care of it." Joseph thought of Aurora and felt a wave of impatience. Women like her, who had never seen the world, were always restless—clinging and refusing to let go. His eyes narrowed as an idea crossed his mind. He called his assistant and instructed, "Do something for me." Aurora worked late into the night at the company. Real estate was a cutthroat industry, and as a newbie, she had to work twice as hard to catch up. Just as she was finishing up, a message popped up. It was from Joseph. "Aurora, a breakup should be clean. Return all the gifts I gave you." He attached a list of items. Everything from necklaces to slippers—he even included the ten dollars deal from a fast-food promo. When she didn’t respond, he sent another message: "I’m giving you three days. Since you think so highly of yourself, you wouldn’t want me to look down on you!"

Chapter 9 Chapter 9

He wanted to take back all the gifts he gave her after a breakup? Aurora couldn’t help but laugh at Joseph’s pettiness. She had always thought he was just a little sleazy, but she hadn’t expected him to be this cheap and stingy. Thinking about how she was once with a man like that, she felt utterly disgusted. When she returned to her new home, she immediately started digging through her things, determined to gather up every single gift Joseph had ever given her. Just then, Lucas walked in. "What are you looking for?" His voice was calm and indifferent as he glanced at her. Aurora paused, then casually replied, "Settling debts from a breakup. My ex wants all his gifts back. I've never met a man this desperate for scraps in my entire life." There was a hint of frustration in her tone, her striking face carrying traces of annoyance. The next second, her phone chimed. A bank notification popped up, informing her that $40,000 had been deposited with a memo stating it was a gift. Lucas cast an uninterested glance at the pile of cheap trinkets scattered on the floor, his expression as indifferent as ever. "Throw all that junk away." Aurora froze for a moment before she heard him adding, "Mrs. Carter, I don’t like my wife keeping another man’s things." She quickly realized that her history of being hopelessly romantic had probably spread far and wide. Lucas must have assumed she was still hung up on her ex. "Relax, trash belongs in the trash." Aurora twirled the sparkling diamond ring on her finger and arched a brow. "Besides, I already have my favorite one." And she truly did love this ring. Besides, now that she was married, as Mrs. Carter, she couldn’t let Lucas down. At her words, Lucas’ lips curved slightly. Aurora hesitated as she looked at the bank transfer. "Lukey, I should probably return this money to you." Lucas certainly didn’t care about such a small amount. But still, it was better to keep things clear. "No need." He raised a brow, his tone unhurried. "Don’t worry, I’m not the type to ask for compensation after a breakup. Just think of it as me spoiling my wife." Aurora had been on the receiving end of Lucas’ generosity before. She was always close to Megan. As kids, Megan would often pull her along, acting cute and sweet in front of the adults. Lucas had been one of those adults. She remembered how, whenever she pouted and played along, Lucas would smile slightly, his gaze warm as he handed her a thick stack of cash as pocket money. But this was the first time she was receiving money from him as his wife. For some reason, her face felt a little warm. "Then… thank you, Lukey." She didn’t refuse again. After packing up the old gifts, Aurora was about to take a shower when she suddenly noticed that the gold necklace Joseph gave her had a patch where the color had worn off. Her brows furrowed. She instinctively ran her fingers over the discolored patch and let out a laugh—half amused, half exasperated. The gold necklace was a fake. The only valuable-looking gift Joseph had ever given her turned out to be a knockoff. … That night, curled up in bed, Aurora couldn’t resist video calling Megan to vent. Megan was completely stunned. "A fake?" Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Has the Hunt family gone broke or something? Who gives a girl counterfeit jewelry as a gift?""It was probably something one of Joseph’s friends arranged," Aurora said lightly. All of Joseph’s gifts were picked out by the people around him. He had never put much thought into her. So, it wasn’t surprising that even the gifts were cheap knockoffs. Megan’s mouth twitched. Joseph’s behavior was so absurd she didn’t even know where to begin. Just as they were talking, the bedroom door suddenly swung open. "It’s late. Aren’t you going to sleep?" At the doorway, Lucas stood casually, dressed in a thin pajama set. His dark eyes were unreadable, his posture relaxed, exuding an effortless elegance. Aurora froze for a moment. Meanwhile, Megan, still on the video call, was utterly dumbfounded. "Holy shit! Why is my cousin with you?!"